MEXICO CITY, June 29 (Reuters) - Large parts of central
Mexico face torrential rains once Arlene, the first tropical
storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, makes landfall early on
Thursday.

Mexican emergency services recommended communities in the
storm's direct path evacuate and state oil monopoly Pemex
[PEMEX.UL] was on alert for possible impact to refineries and
other facilities in the storm's path.

Still, the storm -- likely to strengthen toward hurricane
strength overnight -- will probably not hit major offshore oil
fields directly, according to forecasts from the U.S. National
Hurricane Center.

Mexican authorities said the storm was expected to be 435
miles (700 km) wide and drench parts of central Mexico with up
to 60 inches (150 cm) of rain by Saturday, affecting areas as
far away as the Pacific coast.

Arlene, moving west, had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph
(85 kph) and was located about 95 miles (155 km) east of the
fishing town of Tuxpan in Veracruz state on Wednesday
afternoon, the NHC said, adding that it was likely to approach
hurricane strength at landfall.
Continued...